JAMAICA | Paula 'throws in the towel', Gov't to appoint Acting DPP

KINGSTON, Jamaica, April 21, 2024 - Radio Jamaica is reporting that Justice Minister Delroy Chuck says the government will be recommending the appointment of an acting Director of Public Prosecutions on Monday morning.

His  decision follows biting criticism from the Opposition Leader Mark Golding for his failure to accept Friday's ruling by the Constitutional Court that the amendment which extended DPP Paula Llewellyn's tenure beyond September 2023, was unconstitutional and void.

While the People's National Party, through its attorney, Michael Hylton, insisted that Ms. Llewellyn should have vacated office on Friday following the ruling, the Attorney General said he did not agree with that interpretation.

Minister Chuck, who said the government would be appealing the court's decision, had also suggested that Ms. Llewellyn would continue in the role.

However, a statement on Sunday from the office of Attorney General Dr. Derrick McKoy, said “After careful consideration of the judgment and in the public interest, the Attorney General will be appealing the Full Court's decision immediately, to have the issues resolved and determined by the Court of Appeal.”

In addition, the statement went on to say that “In accordance with section 96 (3) of the Constitution, the Public Service Commission will be invited to appoint a qualified person to act in the role of Director of Public Prosecutions for the time being.”

This follows an apparent decision from DPP Paula Llewellyn, to throw in the towel as a result of monumental public sentiment forcing the Attorney General’s to state that “Due to the ambiguity and the consequent uncertainty arising from the Full Court's judgment in Paulwell and Bunting v the Attorney General SU 223 CV 02499, the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP, has advised that she is unable to carry out the functions of her office at this time.”

No Public Service Commission 

But Opposition Leader Mark Golding has raised concern that the appointment of an acting Director of Public Prosecutions may be hampered because the term of the Public Service Commission expired on March 31. 

Calling it a significant oversight, Mr. Golding blamed the government for its negligence in allowing the term to expire without putting in place a new Commission. 

It's understood however, that efforts are underway to appoint a new Public Service Commission which  would allow for the appointment of an acting DPP. 

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